Hunter building blitz uncovers safety breaches and unlicensed work

The operation combined building compliance and safety inspections with visits to schools, TAFE NSW Maitland and community events during March. Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW aimed to lift industry standards and identify how to better support the region’s growing number of local builders.

Ahead of the joint visit, Building Commission NSW inspected 36 sites and issued 18 Penalty Infringement Notices totalling $12,000. Unlicensed work was the leading offence, accounting for 11 notices issued to contractors. Inspectors also issued two notices for unlicensed contracting and a fine for missing builder’s signage. No building orders were issued, with identified problems either resolved or being rectified.

SafeWork NSW’s inspections of 27 worksites focused on protecting workers from falls from heights and being struck by falling objects or mobile plant. Inspectors issued 57 improvement notices and five prohibition notices. Several sites had gaps in fencing that allowed unauthorised access, potentially exposing people to hazards. Other findings included inadequate or missing signs showing the principal contractor’s contact details, and a lack of toilets or handwashing facilities.

Building Commission NSW also visited local high schools for the first time, sharing industry experience and career pathways with around 105 students at Rutherford Technology High School and Hunter Trade College. NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard joined staff at TAFE NSW Maitland to meet around 100 trade students. Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said connecting students with regulators helped them understand workplace standards from the start of their careers.

Community pop-up events at Charlestown Square gave residents an opportunity to discuss building-related concerns with Building Commission NSW staff. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley described the roadshow as combining enforcement with education and support for builders, apprentices and training providers. Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said the region had more than 700 active construction sites and an estimated 17,000 licence holders, highlighting the importance of supporting local practitioners.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said too many businesses were still failing to follow work health and safety regulations, particularly for work at heights. “A fall from as little as two metres can cause catastrophic injury or even death.” She said SafeWork inspectors could issue on-the-spot fines for serious safety breaches and stop work on site.

Mr Sherrard said the commission was generally pleased with the inspection results, but the number of unlicensed workers remained a concern. He said inspectors would be cracking down on unlicensed workers across NSW.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said worksite safety was improving but further progress was needed. She said the findings showed Hunter building companies needed to focus on safe work at heights, proper fencing, covered pits, maintained scaffolding, and securing plant and equipment at the end of the day. The release also directed readers to SafeWork NSW’s website for information on managing work-at-heights, mobile plant and psychosocial risks in construction.

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